It was another exciting weekend for the Hoyas! We won our second straight tournament with wins over Hampton University, a 2013 NCAA tournament team, and Presbyterian at the Tiny Laster Memorial Classic at Hampton University. For the second straight weekend we took home MVP honors with Ashlie Williams named tournament MVP and MacKenzie Simpson joining her on the All-Tournament Team. The accolades continue to come as Ashlie was also named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll. She was our third recipient in as many weeks. That’s a first in my time on the Hilltop!But it’s not just about the awards, it’s about our team finding their stride. The players worked hard during pre-season with Dr. Mike Lorenzen, our Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Leadership and Development. In that time, they came up with their mission and what they wanted the season to look like. Of course it falls in line with who we are as Georgetown Volleyball that we work hard and are a competitive team that leaves it all on the floor. We’re seeing that every day at practice from everyone in our gym. Coaches talk about buy in and this group has bought in!

I am so excited about what lies ahead for us as a group and for all of the individuals that make up the group. We would not have had the success we’ve had if everyone wasn’t all in. I’m thrilled to say we are. We’ll put it to the test again tonight with our match against cross town rival George Washington. We have a great big target on our backs after the thumping we gave them at our place last year. If our walk-through this morning is any indication, we’re up for the challenge.

After tonight, we get a few days to re-focus and then we head to Southern California where we will take on #22 UCLA, host Cal State Fullerton, and engage in the “Battle of Brains” against Yale. This is a fantastic trip for us as we will have some very competitive play before we begin BIG EAST play on the 23rd. More than that, three of our players, Liz Riggins, Danielle White and Ashlie Williams are Southern California natives, who have the opportunity to play in front of friends and family. The families have worked hard to plan an event following our match on Saturday. I am looking forward to wrapping up the weekend in a celabratory fashion before heading back east!

If you’re in DC tonight or in Fullerton this weekend, we hope that you’ll come cheer on the Hoyas. The team is all in, but we can’t do it without your support. We hope you’re all in too!